Sociology
Videos at the U-M Library
The U-M Library has a large collection of video materials both in physical and streaming formats.
- The Askwith Media Library is your campus source for movies and TV shows.
- All video content is searchable in the Library Catalog Search.
- Streaming video databases include thematic or publisher/distributor based collections of videos and may be browsed or searched independently.
Streaming Video Databases
A complete list of streaming video databases is available from the Askwith Media Library.
Instructors: Consult the guide from the Askwith Media Library on Library Digital Films Service - Streaming video for instructors
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Documentaries - Filmaker's Library OnlineFilmakers Library Online provides hundreds of documentary films originally distributed by Filmakers Library. Films are on a variety of sociological topics such as race, gender, sexuality, family, class, politics, health, education, and more.
Each film has a transcript; many include filmmaker biography and notes. Clips and playlists can be created, saved and shared. Videos can be downloaded to an Apple OS or Android phone, available for 48 hours. -
Ethnographic Video OnlineEthnographic Video Online contains hundreds of videos, primarily ethnographic documentaries and interviews of anthropologists. The collection covers every region of the world and features the work of many of the most influential documentary filmmakers of the 20th century, including previously unreleased raw footage, field notes and study guides.
Each film includes a transcript. Clips and playlists can be created, saved and shared.
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PBS Video CollectionStreaming access to over 300 videos from acclaimed PBS series. Features films from the series Frontline, American Experience, NOVA, Great Performances, America in Primetime, American Masters, e2, and Odyssey. Includes works by Ken Burns, Michael Wood, and other filmmakers.
Searching for Videos in the Library Catalog
Searching for videos in the Library Catalog Search by using the Filters on the left-hand column to limit the Format to Visual Material.
- Run your search
- On the results page, look at the Filters column on the left-hand side of the page
- Under the Format heading, look to see if there is a link for Visual Material and click it
- You may need to click "Show all ... Format Filters." if you do not see Visual Material listed
- If Visual Material is not listed, then no videos match your search
- Visual Materials include both hard copy and streaming video formats
- Under the Format heading, look to see if there is a link for Visual Material and click it
Free Online Videos
The Sociological Cinema: Teaching and Learning Sociology Through Video
This website from sociology graduate students at the University of Maryland; Valerie Chepp, Paul Dean, and Lester Andrist; features a blog and collection of video clips with discussion points that can be used in the classroom.
Be sure to check out the Resources section for sample assignments and a bibliography of scholarly research on video use in the classroom.
Films for Action
"Films For Action uses the power of film to raise awareness of important social, environmental, and media-related issues not covered by the mainstream news. Our goal is to provide citizens with the information and perspectives essential to creating a more just, sustainable, and democratic society. Our website has cataloged over 1500 of the best films and videos that can be watched free online."
Although not moving pictures, the website Sociological Images provides a similar treatment to photographs.
Additional resources for free online videos:
- PBS Videos on Culture & Society
- TED Talks
- Intelligence Squared Debates
- Urban Think Tank
- UCSDTV: University of California - San Diego Television
- YouTube EDU
Videos on how to use the libraries
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U-M Library - the YouTube channel!The library has additional promotional videos on YouTube.